2026 AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme | Up to £47,000 Funding

AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme

Applications are now being accepted from all qualified and interested international candidates for the AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme 2026.

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AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme offers Up to £47,000 research grants for three to nine-month placement at a leading research institution in the UK, Europe or Africa.

In this post, the full details of the eligibility, benefits, timeline, and application procedure will be provided.


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AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme Abstract

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AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme Details

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales.

The program support researchers in Africa who are emerging leaders and working on important challenges for human health, to develop their skills as a researcher.

The aim of the Research Development Fellowship Programme is to provide opportunities for talented health researchers based in Africa, so that they can lead research that is responsive to its African settings and can contribute to reducing the burden of disease.

It aims to develop emerging African scientists through developing their skills, experience, confidence and research outputs.

Fellowships offer awardees the opportunity to develop their own research ideas, research skills and capabilities, to grow their research relationships through collaboration and mentorship, and to work towards a substantial research funding proposal.

It is a three to nine-month placement at a leading research institution in the UK, Europe or Africa, with additional support at your home institution before and after the placement. Up to £47,000 available

AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme Benefits

The fellowship offers:

  • A three to nine-month placement at a leading research institution in the UK, Europe or Africa, with additional support at your home institution before and after the placement. 
  • £25,000 for a Fellowship with a 3-month placement
  • £37,000 for a Fellowship with a 6-month placement
  • £47,000 for a Fellowship with a 9-month placement
  • Placement for research training and professional development at a centre of excellence in Europe or Africa. A minimum of three months to a maximum of nine months.
  • Follow-up Period immediately after the Placement. A minimum of one month to a maximum of three months.
  • Mentorship support for each fellow and their mentors.
  • Intensive grant writing workshop programme.
  • On completing the Fellowship, the opportunity to apply for further funding via AREF’s annual Seed Funding competition

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AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme Requirements

To be eligible for the AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme 2026, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

  • Early-Career health Researchers (ECR) from Africa who plan to develop their research career in Africa and have the potential to become research leaders
  • Applicants must be a national of a country in Africa
  • Applicants need not be resident in Africa at the time of applying
  • Applications must be working at least 30% Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) in an active research role; and EITHER
  • have guaranteed employment with a legally established research organisation or a university in Africa for the duration of the Fellowship or
  • have guarantee of employment at a centre of research excellence outside Africa, and an honorary contract with a legally established research organisation or university in Africa for the duration of the Fellowship. They must spend at least 70% of their time based in Africa (this must be confirmed in the support letter from the institution in Africa).

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  • Clinicians and non-clinicians with a PhD qualification or equivalent postgraduate degree (DPh/DPhil/MD) in a health-related subject from a recognised institution of higher education or,
  • Clinicians with a specialist clinical qualification. Must have an MBBS or equivalent and a specialist clinical qualification. Examples of specialist clinical qualifications are FRCP, FWACP or equivalent or,
  • Clinicians with a Master’s degree. Must have an MBBS or equivalent and the Master’s must have contained a research component. We would expect a plan to gain a PhD or equivalent doctorate (although not funded as part of the AREF Fellowship)
  • Have been research active for the majority of their post-doctoral career (post Masters forclinicians), as  evidenced by their employment history and research outputs.
  • Have at least 3 years’ research experience, but normally NOT more than 10 years, with significant research outputs (most successful applicants have at least three first author publications).
  • Not have won substantial research grants equivalent to GBP £300,000 and above.
  • Not have other significant research funding/fellowship commitments for the duration of the AREF fellowship.
  • If you have less than one academic year of scientific training conducted in English, you will need to provide evidence with your application that you meet the standards of language competency required by the Host Organisation.

AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme Required Documents

While applying for the AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme, you will be required to submit the following documents;

  • Complete Application Form
  • Letter(s) of support from the Host Sponsor(s).
  • Letter of support from the Host Institutional Lead (optional)
  • Letter(s) of support from the Employing Sponsor(s).
  • Letter of support from the Employing Institutional Lead (optional)
  • Two chosen publications to demonstrate the applicant’s career history.
  • A resubmission document (for previously unsuccessful applicants only)
  • A copy of the applicant’s most recently attained degree(s) certificate, usually the PhD certificate.

How To Apply for AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme

To apply for the AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme, follow the instructions we have outlined below; 

  • Read the information we have provided on this webpage and ensure your eligibility
  • Application is completely online
  • Prepare all necessary documents
  • develop your proposal
  • Start your application by creating your account

Begin your application by clicking on the button below.

Deadline: May 8th, 2026


Click Here To Apply


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